Letters to the editor July 24
State library’s withdrawal from American Library Association
I am deeply concerned about the recent decision by the Montana State Library Commission to withdraw from the American Library Association (ALA) due to the president’s alleged Marxist beliefs. This decision has raised significant apprehension within our local library community.
The ALA is a crucial professional organization that provides valuable resources, networking opportunities and professional development programs for librarians. By severing ties with the ALA, the Montana State Library risks hindering the professional growth of librarians and limiting their ability to provide high-quality services to our communities.
Libraries play a vital role in promoting intellectual freedom and providing access to diverse information. The ALA defends intellectual freedom and advocates against censorship. The withdrawal from the ALA raises concerns about the commitment to these principles within our state’s libraries and the potential restriction of access to diverse viewpoints and ideas.
Membership in the ALA encourages collaboration and the exchange of ideas among librarians nationwide. Withdrawing isolates the Montana State Library from the broader library community, impeding progress and hindering innovation in our local libraries.
Moreover, political interference in professional matters is a concern. Libraries are meant to be neutral spaces serving all community members. Basing the withdrawal on the president’s political ideology risks injecting partisan bias into library services, undermining intellectual freedom and professional integrity.
I urge the Montana State Library Commission to reconsider its decision and engage in a dialogue with the local library community. Maintaining ALA membership ensures access to valuable resources, supports intellectual freedom, and promotes collaboration for the betterment of our libraries and community.
Let us discuss the importance of supporting libraries, preserving intellectual freedom, and upholding professional standards.
— Angela Burns, Kalispell